Metro areas in Iowa: income, rent and home values
Iowa has 9 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Omaha, NE with 1.0 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Des Moines, IA ($88,343). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Sioux City, IA (23.3%) and the largest in Iowa City, IA (33.2%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Des Moines, IA (+5.5%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE | 1,010,544 | $87,420 | $1,320 | $311,100 | 29.6% |
| Des Moines, IA | 758,539 | $88,343 | $1,195 | $306,400 | 28.3% |
| Davenport, IA | 380,420 | $69,934 | $961 | $196,200 | 28.2% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 279,285 | $79,920 | $987 | $251,600 | 30.8% |
| Iowa City, IA | 182,711 | $76,882 | $1,168 | $313,900 | 33.2% |
| Waterloo, IA | 169,189 | $74,238 | $997 | $217,600 | 26.4% |
| Sioux City, IA | 144,526 | $78,179 | $1,093 | $224,400 | 23.3% |
| Ames, IA | 128,090 | $72,340 | $1,039 | $293,200 | 31.1% |
| Dubuque, IA | 99,381 | $71,774 | $932 | $262,200 | 29.3% |
Includes 3 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
Iowa at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Iowa for renters?+
Sioux City, IA, where renters spend a median 23.3% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Iowa has the highest income?+
Des Moines, IA, with a median household income of $88,343 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Iowa?+
9 metropolitan statistical areas in Iowa have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.